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I second Raven Rock State Park... Great spot for what you're looking to do....

“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” ― Henry David Thoreau

Welcome from the Bull city. I will say local areas that I enjoy for quick getaways with that "wilderness lite" feel are Eno (site 10 is the most private), Shinleaf (at Falls Lake), and New Hope Overlook (at Jordan Lake). All of these locations will let you get away from other people and give you a pretty easy bail out to the car if your gear doesn't hold up. I've never had trouble at any of these locations hanging my hammock away from people, if you are looking for seclusion. And don't underestimate the joys of a simple pit privy. Sure you can dig a cat hole to take care of business, but do you really want to on a practice trip?

However you if want to get a bit further out of town then Uwharrie is going to be the closest National Forest giving you the freedom to camp pretty much anywhere you can find two trees.

*Heaven best have trees, because I plan to lounge for eternity.

Good judgement is the result of experience and experience the result of bad judgement. - Mark Twain

Feel free to come out to the yates place hang this weekend. even if its just to meet some of us. We will have food on Sat. night. This is a really nice place. The info is located in the bottom of my signature. There is also a group hang with BBQ in april that Catavarie is organizing and his info is in his signature ( just look at the links under what we type).

I would check out South Mountain State park for a good overnight trip.

Wilson's Creek is another good area but it can be a little more difficult to navigate and there are less people on the trails so you can get more of a wilderness experience without really strenuous hiking.

Panthertown Wilderness is another great place to explore with waterfalls and big views, just make sure you are up on your bear etiquette.

Turkey Pen Gap in Pisgah National Forrest is another good place with level hiking and great fishing.

A quick out and back to Ivestor Gap in Shining Rock Wilderness is also a great trip with minimal elevation gain but unbelievable views.

"The mountains are calling and I must go."John Muir

“I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.”John Muir